To commemorate the 100th anniversary of the ceremonial opening of the Ballard Locks, Lake Washington Ship Canal, and the Fremont Bridge, there will be a recreation of the 1917 Opening Day Boat Parade on Sunday, July 9.

The Adventuress

The Fremont Historical Society sends these details about the event: The Adventuress, a historic schooner, will go through the large lock, exiting about 11:00 a.m. It will proceed eastward and, at Salmon Bay, 47 other vessels (historic and newer fishing, commercial, private, and government boats) will fall in behind it. Two of the vessels, the GloryBe and the Keewaydin (formerly the Honey Boy) were in the 1917 parade.

The parade will go through the Fremont Cut and into Lake Union. The Adventuress and the Virginia V will turn south immediately and go to their moorages at South Lake Union. The rest of the parade will proceed around Gas Works Park and then down the east shore of Lake Union. Parade boats will pass the Virginia V in review, then turn north up the west shore and disperse. A Seattle fireboat will end the event with a fountain display in the center of Lake Union.

Parade planners anticipate the passing parade to last 30 – 45 minutes with the event concluding about 12:45 p.m. Fremont will have a front row seat along the canal! Remember that July 9 will be a regular Fremont Sunday Market so allow time to find spot to view the parade.

For the latest information, please see http://makingthecut100.org/event/boat-parade or https://www.facebook.com/events/167675043760752/. In addition, there will be a free History Bike Ride on Sunday, July 9, beginning at 10:00 a.m. It will begin and end at Gas Works Park. Bring a bike and a helmet. The ride will parallel the Boat Parade, initially heading west along the north side of the canal to the Locks, crossing the Locks to the south side, then heading east through the Fremont Cut and around Lake Union. There will be stops along the way to view the Boat Parade and to learn about the significance of the Locks, the Ship Canal, and other important sites. Michael Hershensohn, Queen Anne Historical Society, will lead the ride. For more information, see https://www.cascade.org/node/39390.

THE LOCKS CENTENNIAL BOAT PARADE SCHEDULE – The Adventuress and the Puget will enter the large lock from the west at approximately 10:20 a.m. on Sunday July 9. After tie-up and raising, the Adventuress will exit the lock at 11:00 a.m., parade vessels will be staged at several places in Salmon Bay and will move into line following the Adventuress andproceed eastward toward the Fremont Cut. The Puget will bring up the end of the parade.

When the parade enters Lake Union, the Adventuress and Virginia V will immediately turn south to their moorages at South Lake Union while the rest of the parade proceeds around Gasworks Park and then clockwise down the east shore of Lake Union. Parade boats will pass the Virginia V in review, then turn northward up the west shore of Lake Union to disperse. A Seattle fireboat will end the event with a fountain display in the center of Lake Union.

We anticipate the passing parade to last 30 – 45 minutes with the event concluding at approximately 12:45 p.m. This schedule may be impacted by delayed bridge openings and excessive weekend boat traffic.

There are viewing places along both sides of the canal: along the Burke-Gilman trail, near Seattle Pacific University, Fisherman’s Terminal, Fremont, etc. Please note that Gasworks Park is closed to the public on July 9 for a private event.

There will be 47 vessels in the parade including 2 from the 1917 parade. Private boats, fishing boats, commercial and government boats will all be represented. After the parade the Adventuress will moor immediately west of MOHAI while the GloryBe and the Keewaydin from the 1917 parade will moor at The Center for Wooden Boats, all will be available for public viewing.

The Fremont Cut from the area under the Aurora Bridge west to 2nd Ave NW (including Evanston Ave N at the canal)

Fremont Bridge approaches

Burke-Gilman Trail (various spots); roaming docents

2 Nickerson St. on Queen Anne, along the canal

Ballard Bridge approaches

On-street parking is available near most of these locations but we strongly recommend arriving on foot, by public transportation or by bicycle. Most marinas with a view of the Ship Canal or Lake Union have locked gates with entry available only to their tenants; we ask you please respect those.

Army Corps of Engineers photos–digging the Ship Canal Above: Steam shovel digging the canal in Fremont in 1911: Looking east from a location south of N. 34th, between Evanston Ave N. and Phinney Ave N. Left, bottom: 1912 photo taken from a temporary wooden bridge in Fremont. Looking east towards Capitol Hill. Note the temporary bridge from Stone Way N. to Westlake — with blurred image of a streetcar on the bridge. Left, top: 1912 photo taken looking west towards Ballard from Fremont. The smoke is from a steam shovel working on the Queen Anne side of the canal.

Congratulations to the Fremont Historical Society whose 4Culture grant request was selected for funding. They write: “As you may recall, the funds are to be used to develop the FHS website so that material can be easily added and updated. We plan to include the digital images of the buildings in Fremont taken in 1937 as part of a Works Progress Administration project. Heather McAuliffe created the digital collection in 2004 by taking photos of prints in the property records of the Washington State Archives’ Puget Sound Regional Branch in Bellevue. FHS historical research will be added to the site as well as the historical resource surveys of commercial and residential property in Fremont that Carol Tobin led with the support of the Fremont Neighborhood Council. Current photographs of the buildings in the 1937 collection, oral histories, maps, and a timeline of Fremont history are also planned. We are excited that the upgraded website will make this material easily accessible to everyone.”

]]>http://fremontneighborhoodcouncil.org/fremont-historical-society-receives-grant-to-update-website/feed/03163Go on Down to the Sea in Ships from Fremonthttp://fremontneighborhoodcouncil.org/go-on-down-to-the-sea-in-ships-from-fremont/
http://fremontneighborhoodcouncil.org/go-on-down-to-the-sea-in-ships-from-fremont/#respondThu, 07 Jul 2016 04:20:47 +0000http://fremontneighborhoodcouncil.org/?p=2845Sail on the Virginia V to celebrate the Fremont Bridge, the Ship Canal and Ballard Locks. Dates: Sunday, July 10th, and Sunday, August 14th, 1 pm to 3:30 pm. Cost: $15 (14 and under are free!) More information and ticket purchase here.

The Virginia V – courtesy MOHAI

Summer 2016 begins a year-long centennial celebration of the completion of the Lake Washington Ship Canal, the Ballard Locks and the Fremont Bridge! Hop on board the historic SS Virginia V for a journey through the Ballard Locks. On board, discover the history and legacy of this engineering achievement through stories and hands-on activities lead by Friends of the Ballard Locks and Museum of History and Industry (MOHAI) educators. A selection of drinks and chips will be available for purchase on board the vessel or feel free to bring food. Cash and cards accepted. The cruise leaves from the Historic Ships Wharf, Lake Union Park, 860 Terry Ave N. 98109 (south end of Lake Union, near MOHAI). The route goes from Lake Union along the Ship Canal with great views of Fremont from the water, through the Ballard Locks and back. The event is a partnership between the Virginia V and Friends of the Ballard Locks with the generous support from 4 Culture.

]]>http://fremontneighborhoodcouncil.org/go-on-down-to-the-sea-in-ships-from-fremont/feed/02845Historical Society Hosts National Preservation Month Display with Fremont Libraryhttp://fremontneighborhoodcouncil.org/historical-society-hosts-national-preservation-month-display-with-fremont-library/
http://fremontneighborhoodcouncil.org/historical-society-hosts-national-preservation-month-display-with-fremont-library/#respondTue, 26 Apr 2016 22:42:19 +0000http://fremontneighborhoodcouncil.org/?p=2775Did your house pose for its beauty shot? Visit the NATIONAL PRESERVATION MONTH DISPLAY hosted by the FREMONT HISTORICAL SOCIETY partnering with the Fremont Public Library in a display for National Preservation Month.

One of the photos that make up the panorama. Taken from the top of Queen Anne Hill. The large light-colored building is Ross Elementary School at 3rd NW and NW 43rd Street. See 3rd NW to the left of the building. The site is now Ross Park and where the school building was located is now a Little League baseball field. Photo courtesy of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers

Come by the library throughout May and see:

Then/Now photos of historic buildings in Fremont with information on their architectural style, builders, past owners, and history.

An enlarged copy of the Fremont section of the Seattle Public Library’s 1905 Baist map.

A 7’ long panorama of circa 1910 photos taken from the top of Queen Anne Hill, looking north. The photos span from the site where the Ballard Locks would later be built, through Ballard, Ross, Fremont, Wallingford, Lake Union, and all the way to Capitol Hill and the tower at Volunteer Park.

On Saturday, May 7th, from 11:00 am and 1:00 pm, there will be a free reception, open to the public. Light refreshments will be served. Members of the Fremont Historical Society will be on hand to share information and answer questions. In addition, Friends of the Ballard Locks will be available to talk about the construction of the Lake Washington Ship Canal and the Hiram M. Chittenden Locks (or Ballard Locks). Construction of the canal was underway in Fremont over 100 years ago. Opening day ceremonies for the Ship Canal and the Locks took place on July 4, 1917 which means that centennial events and activities are coming in 2017.

]]>http://fremontneighborhoodcouncil.org/historical-society-hosts-national-preservation-month-display-with-fremont-library/feed/02775In Memory of a small communityhttp://fremontneighborhoodcouncil.org/in-memory-of-a-small-community/
http://fremontneighborhoodcouncil.org/in-memory-of-a-small-community/#commentsFri, 05 Jun 2015 02:11:58 +0000http://fremontneighborhoodcouncil.org/?p=2319Matt Bazemore painted this view of Linden Avenue before the demolitions that began this month, to replace these houses with

]]>http://fremontneighborhoodcouncil.org/in-memory-of-a-small-community/feed/12319Library hosts monthlong display of Fremont history–Reception May 9http://fremontneighborhoodcouncil.org/library-hosts-monthlong-display-of-fremont-history-reception-may-9/
http://fremontneighborhoodcouncil.org/library-hosts-monthlong-display-of-fremont-history-reception-may-9/#respondThu, 07 May 2015 22:22:09 +0000http://fremontneighborhoodcouncil.org/?p=2190The Fremont Historical Society reports that they “and the Fremont Public Library have a display at the library during the month of May. It includes then/now photographs and information on several historic buildings in Fremont and an enlarged copy of the Fremont section of the 1905 Baist map.” They say:

New this year is a 7′ panorama made from 8 photographs taken from the top of Queen Anne hill sometime between 1905 and 1910. The photographer was looking north and the photographs show Ballard on the west, through Fremont and south Wallingford, to Capitol Hill on the east. The library staff did a great job enlarging and assembling the photographs into a panorama. The views of Fremont, Ross, Ballard, Salmon Bay, the lumber mills, etc. are amazing! We have identified a few landmarks to help people get their bearing.

We will be having an informal reception at the library this coming Saturday, May 9, from 11 am to 12:30 pm. Light refreshments will be served. Also during the reception, we will have Jay Sullivan, and his wife Betty, with us. Jay was a very young private when he served during World War II with the 50th General Hospital, a Seattle-based unit. Jay had access to an 8 mm camera (or something like it) with color film and took footage of the 50th General Hospital during the war. Given that May 8, 2015 is the 70th anniversary of V-E Day, we thought it would be great to show the film. Because there is no audio, we are planning to show the film on the main floor of the library with interested folks sitting around a table. For those who want to drop by sometime during May, the Fremont Public Library hours are:

Join the Fremont Historical Society for a reception celebrating the rich history of the Fremont neighborhood.

Description

Learn about the history of Fremont, one of Seattle’s most colorful neighborhoods. Historical photos and maps of the “Center of the Universe” will be on display, and light refreshments will be served.

Each May the Fremont Historical Society creates a display at the Fremont Branch featuring past and current photos of historic buildings in Fremont, celebrating preservation and adaptive reuse of the buildings as part of the nationwide event put on by the National Trust for Historic Preservation. Volunteers from the Fremont Historical Society research the history of the buildings and interview the property owners for additional background.

Notes

Library events and programs are free and everyone is welcome. Registration is not required.

]]>http://fremontneighborhoodcouncil.org/library-hosts-monthlong-display-of-fremont-history-reception-may-9/feed/02190Can your neighborhood maintain its character? Historic Seattle invites responses at April 8 meeting and online responseshttp://fremontneighborhoodcouncil.org/can-your-neighborhood-maintain-its-character-historic-seattle-invites-responses-at-april-8-meeting-and-online-responses/
http://fremontneighborhoodcouncil.org/can-your-neighborhood-maintain-its-character-historic-seattle-invites-responses-at-april-8-meeting-and-online-responses/#respondTue, 24 Mar 2015 19:40:12 +0000http://fremontneighborhoodcouncil.org/?p=2114Seattle Councilmember Tom Rasmussen asks Seattle to weigh in on ways to preserve the character of our Seattle neighborhoods even as they change rapidly. Some neighborhoods have design guidelines, though Fremont’s were never adopted as part of our neighborhood plan. Do design guidelines make a significant difference? What else might, to keep Fremont quirky and artistic? Three public meetings are scheduled:

Historic Seattle is helping the City of Seattle get the word out about neighborhood conservation districts. We know many you are concerned about the issue of neighborhood character. The City is developing a planning tool that can help our neighborhoods grow and retain unique character. We encourage you to attend one of the upcoming public meetings to learn more and share your thoughts with the City.

Neighborhood Conservation Districts!

Preserve your neighborhood’s character amidst booming development

Does your neighborhood have strong character that should be preserved, but isn’t eligible or appropriate for historic district status?

Councilmember Tom Rasmussen is holding a series of Neighborhood Conservation District (NCD) public meetings to gather resident input about establishing a program in Seattle. NCDs can be best described as a hybrid between Seattle’s Landmark Review Districts and the Design Review Program where unique neighborhoods can help set architectural style, square footage requirements, or other design elements. More information about neighborhood conservation districts may be found on Councilmember Rasmussen’s website.

A neighborhood conservation district is an area with clear and consistent character defined by geographical boundaries. Typically a neighborhood conservation district board is established that includes neighborhood representatives and design professionals to make recommendations and decisions consistent with the authorities delegated to it by the city’s elected officials. The districts are established with the specific intention of conserving the neighborhood character of the designated districts, and would be individually established by a vote of the Seattle City Council.

A conservation district would provide guidelines, support and potential incentives for the conservation of important neighborhood buildings and design characteristics, but would not be as prescriptive as the landmark and special review districts that the city currently uses. More here.

743 N 35th St (next to Fremont Library), Project #3016369 Design Review Board Meeting Monday, March 2nd, 6:30pm at Ballard Community Center, 6020 28th Avenue NW Project Description: Council Land Use Action to Contract Rezone 9,314 sq. ft. of land from NC 3-40′ to NC 3-65′ and to allow a five-story structure containing 56 residential units above 1,881 sq. ft. of retail in an environmentally critical area. Parking for 10 vehicles to be provided below grade. Existing structure to demolished. CF #314115. More info here–includes a link to maps and details. [This project is east of the Fremont Library and just west of the smaller office building on the corner of N 35th and Troll Ave.]

Fremont Siphon Project Public Meeting, Monday, March 2nd, 6-8pm at the Fremont Library More info here. [Project is on Leary just as it enters Fremont’s west end from Frelard, at the west end of Canal Park.]

• Get the latest on the project schedule and work hours.
• Learn more about construction impacts, such as project site boundaries and detours to cars, bikes and trail users
• See how the facility will fit in the neighborhood as it provides safe, reliable sewer service

More houses going away in Fremont–see photo above–at 4467 and 4471 Whitman Ave N., to be replaced by 8 townhouses fronting on N 45th. Both were built in 1911 according to property records. Green Canopy, developer, will provide 6 parking spaces though none are required, and has met with neighbors about the planned construction.

Parklets: Here’s more about Seattle’s moving from a pilot program to a full rollout of Parklets and Streateries. These privately funded public spaces will be permitted on a yearly basis by the city; Department of Neighborhoods grants can be used as part of the funding. They are temporary additions, not permanently attached to the street or the curb. One quite local example is the parklet outside Molly Moon on N 45th in Wallingford. Applications are now being accepted. More here: http://www.seattle.gov/transportation/parklets.htm

Crosswalks: On Feb. 23, City Traffic Engineer Dhongho Chang updated FNC on the crosswalk project at N 43rd and Fremont Avenue North. Construction is scheduled to start April 25 and will take about a week. He supplied the drawing for the project, attached here.SDOT re 43rd & Fremont N crosswalk 2-23-15

The Fremont neighborhood will be hosting a wake for Fremont’s Affordable Rental Houses on Saturday, February 21, 2015 at 1:30 p.m. at Fremont Baptist Church, 717 North 36th Street, Seattle. Over the last two years the Fremont neighborhood has lost a great number of the neighborhood’s rental houses, many of which were older homes built before the 1930s. This event will spotlight more than a dozen of these homes that have been demolished or are planned for demolition. This event is sponsored by the Fremont Neighborhood Council and the Fremont Historical Society.

Join with neighbors to mourn this loss of historical heritage, housing diversity, green space and affordability. Learn the details of the housing inventory that has been demolished and the stories of the families that lived there. Find out how you can contribute to upcoming efforts that stop this loss of affordability.

“Neighbors are concerned about the changing face of Fremont,” said Fremont Neighborhood Council President Stephanie Pure. “This is an opportunity to draw attention to this issue. The Fremont Neighborhood Council has taken the unusual step of filing a SEPA (State Environmental Protection Act) appeal on one of the projects. We encourage residents to come hear about that appeal.”

“The Fremont Historical Society (FHS) is dedicated to building awareness and appreciation of the history of a unique and early Seattle neighborhood”, said Judie Clarridge, volunteer, Fremont Historical Society. “We think it is important to tell the stories of these houses and the people who lived in them. Fremont has been fortunate that many historic buildings have been preserved and are in use today, but residents are concerned that the current pace of new construction may mean the loss of older houses and commercial buildings that give Fremont its character and economic diversity. We think this event will be a good opportunity for discussion on this important issue.

Both organizations would like to thank the Fremont Baptist Church for providing us an opportunity to come together. Residents from other Seattle neighborhoods that are interested in offering a similar event are welcome to attend.

Learn about Fremont history, culture and development, live, in person and

At the Troll – Kirby Lindsay photo

in action…On Saturday, August 2nd, 2014, at 3pm, the Fireside
Chat series of free, live presentations on Fremont history and culture
takes a short, easy stroll  to the Fremont Troll and Fremont Baptist
Church. Starting at History House, at the corner of Patches Place and
Troll Ave, this walk-and-talk on Fremont history will showcase the changes
that have taken place at the Center of the Universe over the last 100
years.
This one-hour program will present Troll Avenue, and the site of the
infamous Troll, and talk about the area before the sculpture, and before
the Aurora Bridge soared overhead. The walk then wanders inside the
Fremont Baptist Church  one of Fremonts oldest institutions  where
church members will share stories, show photos and conduct tours of the
building, down to the sub-basement, for those interested in getting a
close-up look. Also, Sarah Weathers will give well-researched information
on the Church pipe organ, while visitors get a chance to get right up on
it.

 Starts at History House of Greater Seattle,
at the corner of Patches Place & Troll Ave.
 Saturday, Aug 2nd from 3p  4p
 Hear Fremont history with stunning, 3D visual aids, in an active,
entertaining presentation
 For more information, contact instigator@fremocentrist.com or 206/632-3170